South Georgia’s Agrarian Industry
“Ya gotta jump down, turn around, pick a bale of cotton…” this song from childhood as well as songs like Eatin’ Goober Peas (another name for peanuts) and others like them are reminders of Georgia’s past and present strong agricultural presence. When Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in the 1800’s, Georgia became the leading producer of cotton, a crop still grown today.
Although Georgia is known as the Peach State, it is interesting to note that California is the leading producer of peaches followed by South Carolina —Georgia is, however, the leading producer of peanuts and pecans. Thanks to the warmer climate and rich soil, south Georgia is able to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Are you familiar with sweet Vidalia onions? Are you a fan of red tomatoes or sweet strawberries? Do you love a slice of juicy watermelon on a hot afternoon? If so, then plan a trip to Georgia’s southern soil. These mouthwatering favorites as well as other gastronomic delights like asparagus, sweet yellow corn, blueberries, melons of all varieties, lima beans, pimiento peppers and many others can all be found growing in fields here. South Georgia agrarian industry also includes the raising of chickens for cooking and egg production, beef cattle, pigs/pork products and soybeans.
When you visit south Georgia, be sure to sample some of its fruits stands (Hillside Orchard Farms in Tiger), farmers markets (Forest Park), produce stands (Burt’s Farm in Dawson or Calhoun Produce Stand in Ashburn), dairies like the Thomasville’s Sweet Grass Dairy with its cow and goat cheese or get some of the renowned Claxton Fruitcake in Claxton.
South Georgia has a variety of festivals celebrating their regional foods. Some of these include:
- Watermelon Days Festival in Cordele
- The Peanut Festival in Plains
- The Vidalia Onion Festival in Vidalia
- The Blueberry Fest in Alma
Visit South Georgia for a Georgia you won't find in the metro Atlanta area.
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